NCAA Basketball: Michigan, West Virginia rises in latest top-25 power rankings

18. Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (21-4, 16-2)

The Rambles finished up the regular season with a home sweep over Southern Illinois, although neither game was a blowout. In fact, the game on Saturday went into overtime but Loyola allowed just two points in the final five minutes to get the 65-58 victory. Likely MVC Player of the Year Cameron Krutwig had 20 points to lead the team.

Up next is the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, where the Ramblers will be the heavy favorite due to the Drake Bulldogs having multiple key injuries. The good news is that Loyola doesn’t need to win the event to get the at-large bid for the Big Dance, but they could use a few more wins to get a more favorable seed.

17. Texas Tech Red Raiders (15-8, 7-7)

The losing streak for the Red Raiders went up to three this past week, blowing a double-digit lead to Oklahoma State before losing in overtime. They looked to be in danger of making it four straight against Texas but a big second-half defensive performance allowed Texas Tech to win, 68-59. Mac McClung had 16 points to lead a balanced effort.

The Red Raiders have a chance to finish over .500 in league play if they can beat both TCU and Iowa State at home next week. And the finale will be on the road at Baylor, a massive opportunity for their overall resume.

16. Oklahoma Sooners (14-7, 9-6)

It was a brutal week for the Sooners, losing a heartbreaker in overtime to Oklahoma State, despite 45 points combined from Austin Reaves and De’Vion Harmon. But before that, they lost on the road at Kansas State, the second-worst team in the Big 12. That loss could come back to haunt them in Oklahoma’s path to a 2 seed for the Big Dance.

The Sooners have a chance to get some momentum before the NCAA Tournament, taking on Oklahoma State and Texas this upcoming week. With seeding on the line, Oklahoma will have some pressure on them.